Carpooling Options for Big Kids

Any of the backless boosters on our Recommended Seats list are great options for carpoolers. As our Littles evolve into Big Kids with Big Opinions, sometimes they need a booster that doesn’t quite look like a booster or a booster that fits into a backpack.

Here we’ve highlighted a few suggestions for booster seats that make carpooling a snap for big kids.

Ease of use for the Big Kid (can the kiddo put the booster in the car and use it properly without assistance from the driver?)

BubbleBum

BubbleBum

Pros: Possibly the most portable booster ever, the BubbleBum rolls up into a tidy little bag that can be tucked into a child’s backpack.

Cons: The BubbleBum inflates, so the child would have to inflate the seat before use. The other tricky piece of using the BubbleBum is the belt guides — the seat belt threads through belt guides on both sides of the seat. Not every child can inflate the seat properly or thread the belt properly through these guides so it’s a good idea to practice inflating and using the BubbleBum before sending your big kid off with one.

This ingenious little seat belt trainer is very lightweight, fits inside a backpack, and is pretty simple for carpooling kiddos to set up. It offers a consistent vehicle seat belt fit and can be tucked into the vehicle seat pocket for emergencies.

Pros: Tiny, lightweight, easy to set up and use. The Right Guide offers a consistent belt fit and fits well in tiny spaces.

Cons: It’s backless only so we find it best suited for older kiddos who know how to sit properly.

Pros: The TurboBooster TakeAlong folds up into a bag that can fit in many backpacks, unfolds easily, offers the consistent belt fit we’ve come to expect from the TurboBooster name and is narrow. In other words, it’s full of Pros!

Cons: The narrowness that makes it a great carpool option may make it less comfortable for larger kids. It’s more expensive than its cousin, the original TurboBooster.

Pros: The TurboBooster offers a great belt fit for children in all size ranges. From small kiddos to big kids, the Turbo is light enough that the carpooler can carry it and fits well.

Cons: Some cover styles are less subtle than others. Many TurboBoosters are shipped without the required screws, make sure that the screws are installed before sending your carpool rider off with a TurboBooster!

The Chicco GoFit backless booster is fairly narrow and features a handle at the back of the seat that makes carrying the GoFit a breeze! My family has travelled extensively with our GoFit and in most cases, my kiddo was able to carry it herself!Pros: It’s lightweight, has two cupholders that can fold inward to make more space, offers a consistent belt fit, and is easy to carry around.

Cons: At $39.99 retail, it’s not the least expensive option on the market.

Pros: It’s lightweight, has not one but TWO cupholders, and can be installed using LATCH.

Cons: My daughter finds it quite comfortable but it’s not the first pick for carpooling because it’s a little wider than some of the other options. When she’s riding with a number of friends, the Solana’s width could make three children across a bit of a challenge.

Cons: The rider has to thread the seat belt through three metal belt guides. This can be a challenge for younger riders. The optional top tether could also be a challenge for younger riders to connect. Older models were more brightly colored and not as subtle as the newer model.

Note: We recommend the Ride Safer Travel Vest for children who are at least 5 years old.

Pros: The Olli includes a handy carry strap (Strap-thingy) that makes it easy for booster riders to sling the seat over their shoulders when going between cars. It offers a solid belt fit for most children and has a LOT of padding.

Cons: The Strap-thingy attaches to the rigid LATCH anchors on the seat, it takes a bit of practice to remove the strap and click the LATCH connectors into the vehicle’s lower anchors. We’d suggest taking a little time to teach your booster rider how to remove the Strap-thingy and install the seat before sending them off to a playdate.

Carpooling represents a big step in independence for our Littles. Having booster seat options that keep them secured properly even when they’re riding with someone else can give everyone in the family a little extra peace of mind. We hope these options pointed your family toward an option that works for your Big Kid!

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All CSFTL website contributors are Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. However, our reviews and educational materials are OUR opinions and are not that of Safe Kids, NHTSA, or anyone other than us. We are not liable for anything anyone says or does as a result of reading our opinions on this site.

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